| Code | HDADS |
|---|---|
| Subject Title | International Master's Pathway |
| Duration | 9 Months (1 Academic Year) |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | HDip |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| Fees | See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Non-EU Fees | €12,500 |
| Non-EU Closing Date | Open until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June. Early application is advised. |
| Credits | 60 |
| Start Date | September 2024 |
Course Outline
The Higher Diploma in Academic Discourse and Skills - International Master’s Pathway (IMP) is aimed at the pre-masters student seeking to meet the required academic qualification and/or the English language level for automatic progression to their chosen destination programme. The list of the 'linked programmes' called Tracks is continuously reviewed and expanding.
We have built an academic programme around the International Master's Pathway so that you will work towards a Level 8 Major Award: the Higher Diploma in Academic Discourse and Skills. The 60-credit Higher Diploma consists of Language Centre core modules in academic discourse and skills (worth 40 credits), and final-year undergraduate modules (worth 20 credits) from your chosen Master's Track.
Successful completion of the pathway will enable you to convert to a full offer by raising your undergraduate level by one class (3:1 to 2:2 or 2:2 to 2:1) and/or language level by the equivalent to one band of IELTS (IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 or 6.0 to 7.0) for example.
Master’s Pathway Track
On this pathway, you will follow a 'Track' to your chosen Master's programme. See our Language Centre Tracks page for our postgraduate portfolio of participating programmes. Select the track for your chosen programme to find out more about its IMP entry requirements, progression requirements, and the undergraduate final-year modules on offer. If your programme is not one of the approved Track programmes, keep an eye on our Language Centre IMP page for updates.
International Master’s Pathway Portfolio
We are continuously expanding our IMP portfolio so check the Language Centre page to keep in touch with programme updates.
Course Practicalities
In addition to the modules being taken, you will also have the opportunity to engage with various UCC campus activities including workshops or talks from services such as the UCC Library, the UCC Skills Centre and the UCC Students' Union.
The Higher Diploma in Academic Discourse and Skills - IMP at UCC will provide you with thorough preparation for your chosen master’s programme, and will help you to understand the specific cultures and contexts of the academic community at our University.
All our Pathway students will produce an independent research project, an interdisciplinary mini-research group project based on the UCC postgraduate community, and will also participate in weekly academic reading and discussion circles. There is a high degree of individualisation, guidance and support in the programme, and you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of academic activities across the university.
All IMP students will take modules worth 60 credits including 40 credits of Language Centre core modules and 20 credits of undergraduate (UG) programme modules.
Language Centre Modules (40 credits)
- LC5001 Independent Research Project I (15 credits)
- LC5002 Research Methods: Interdisciplinary Project (10 credits)
- LC5003 Critical Disciplinary Approaches (5 credits)
- LC5004 Independent Research Project II (10 credits)
Undergraduate Modules (20 credits)
See the Track for your chosen programme to find out more about the undergraduate modules on offer.
Assessment Types
Language Centre Core Modules
The assessment model for Language Centre core modules is continuous and there are no final examinations. Continuous assessment can include the following tasks:
- 5000-word independent research project
- Presentations (both individual and group)
- Reflective learning journals
- Linguistic and critical analysis of lectures
- Annotated bibliography
- Leading and participating in seminars
- Interdisciplinary mini-research group project
Undergraduate Core Modules
Assessment types will vary depending on your chosen master’s degree programme and the modules on offer. See the track for your chosen programme to find out more about the undergraduate final-year modules on offer.
Contact Time
We envisage a maximum of 20 hours of contact time per week. In addition, you will attend individual tutorials for up to 20 minutes every two weeks. Your learning schedule should allow for 8-10 hours per week of independent research and learning.
Why Choose This Course
- If you are eligible and are accepted for this pathway you will be guaranteed a place on your chosen master’s course if you meet the progression requirements and successfully complete the IMP.
- This is an innovative new programme which will immerse you in UCC's life and culture. We offer a high level of student support and individualisation of learning.
- This programme will build on your skills, knowledge and experience; it also gives you the opportunity to become accustomed to your department and the university in advance of starting your master’s programme at UCC.
Higher Diploma in Academic Discourse and Skills - IMP
- This is more than just a standard pathway: you can also work towards a major award from UCC, the NFQ Level 8 Higher Diploma in Academic Discourse and Skills. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain the Higher Diploma in Academic Discourse & Skills even if you do not progress to a master’s degree.
Course Content and Structure
- This is a new and innovative programme with special research projects and academic activities that support your connections across the campus to help you feel a sense of belonging to the UCC community.
- We offer a high degree of individualisation for you as you prepare for the transition to master’s study.
- You will improve your academic skills and language skills at the same time as pursuing your academic programme.
- You will gain the academic language and skills you need for success and build on your disciplinary knowledge.
- You will start your master’s feeling fully prepared, having been at UCC working in your chosen discipline for a full academic year.
Student Experience
Cork is a great place to live and this programme is an opportunity to make friends and become integrated into the academic community and culture!
In UCC you will be welcomed into the participating programme community. We encourage you to immerse yourself in UCC's life and culture and we will provide you with guidance and support along the way.
Requirements
Requirements depend upon your chosen master's degree. See the Master’s Pathway Track page and choose your track for degree-specific requirements. In general, the following minimum requirements apply:
Academic Qualification Minimum Requirements
- Undergraduate equivalent to 3.1 - if progressing onto a programme that requires 2.2
- Undergraduate equivalent to 2.2 - if progressing onto a programme that requires 2.1
Language Proficiency Minimum Entry Requirements
- For programmes that require an overall 6.5 for entry: 5.5 IELTS (CEFR B2) overall with a minimum of 5.5 (CEFR B2) in any skill if progressing onto a programme that requires a 6.5 overall.
- For programmes that require an overall 7.0 for entry: 6.0 IELTS (CEFR B2+) overall with a minimum of 6.0 (CEFR B2+).
Recognition of Prior Learning
The accepted types of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be dependent on the chosen master’s degree programme on a case-by-case basis.
Fees and Costs
Scholarships
If on completion of the course you meet the progression requirements (exit grade and any other requirements) for your chosen postgraduate master’s programme, you will receive a scholarship from the relevant participating college.
| College | |
|---|---|
| College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences | 25% reduction in fees |
| College of Science, Engineering and Food Science | 20% reduction in fees |
| College of Medicine and Health | 20% reduction in fees |
How To Apply
- Select your Master's Track and complete the master's application. You MUST write in your statement that you would like to take the International Master’s Pathway.
- Your application will be reviewed by the master's programme team.
- The International Master's Pathway team will contact you.
- Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer for their chosen master's and a full offer for the International Master's Pathway.
If you would like more information regarding the pathway or have questions about the application process, please email us [academicenquiries@ucc.ie] and we will contact you.
The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June. Early application is advised.